We register patents in the chemical, medical, food, printing and other industries.
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The experience and technical background of 4B experts will make allow to qualitatively distinguish new essential features of the client’s technical solution from competitors.
Do everything possible to make the solution patentable, as well as help block competitors on marketplaces.
The chances of obtaining a patent are determined in accordance with the novelty of the technical solution and are attached to the registration.
The work of 4B expert with the maximum possible probability increases the patentability of the technical solution.
We will help you understand a number of important questions about obtaining a design patent in Europe, that are specific to your situation and business in general.
Preparation of the application in English
Submission of the application
Responding to review requests
Notification of the client about the status of consideration of the application
Registered design patent in the European Union
1. Is a patent search conducted for an EU design application?
Yes, 4B provides a Prior Art patent search service. Moreover, we recommend using this service before ordering a patent application, which often saves money in cases where a solution proves to be unprofitable.
2. Is there a guarantee of obtaining a patent?
In the EU, design registration is based on formalities. We guarantee compliance with these criteria, but we do not guarantee that the registration will not be challenged by a third party.
3. Are recommendations for design improvement provided?
In general, yes. 4B experts describe possible directions (if any) of design development in their conclusions on the results of patent search or study of the client’s terms of reference. But the inventor is the client, so specific product or process improvements will be made by the client.
4. Is it possible to get a discount on multiple applications?
In most cases, yes. It depends on the proximity and complexity of technical solutions. The issue is discussed with the manager before launching the service.
5. How long does design protection last in the EU?
This period is 25 years from the filing date of the application.
6. Can I know without searching that my solution is unprofitable?
Yes. Usually there are several markers “for” and “against”. If you disclosed your solution 6 months before contacting 4B and an expertise can find it (e.g. on a marketplace), your solution is unpatentable.
If you copied the design anywhere, your solution is probably unprofitable. If you developed the technical solution yourself, it may qualify for a patent.
7. Which industries have the largest number of design patents?
Computer technology and digital communications, furniture and household items, construction, textiles and accessories are the industries with the largest number of design patents in the world.
8. How many design applications are submitted in the EU?
There are over 110,000 applications in the EU every year. The EU ranks second in the world after China in terms of this indicator.
9. Do I have to pay any fees to maintain a design patent?
Yes. You have to pay an appropriate fee every 5 years to maintain a design in the EU.
10. How long does the examination last?
From the date of application to the date of patent obtaining, on average, the examination takes up to a month.
Before registration you can take advantage of a free consultation with a lawyer, in which you will explain in more detail about your business and the challenges you face.
The lawyer, for his part, will preliminarily assess the possibilities of obtaining a patent, describe the structure and logic of the registration application, the relevant risks and methods of overcoming them. You will get detailed answers to all your questions, as well as get clarifications that you may not have been aware of before.